Ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller dies aged 36

Liam Miller won 21 caps for Republic of Ireland between 2004 and 2009. PA Sport

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller has died aged 36, his first club Celtic have announced.

Miller, who also counts Manchester United, Leeds and Sunderland among his former sides, had been suffering from cancer.

Celtic tweeted: "Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Liam Miller. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. RIP Liam, YNWA.''

Celtic players will wear black armbands in Miller's memory during their Scottish Cup match against Partick Thistle on Saturday.

Reports emerged in November that Miller had been battling pancreatic cancer and was receiving treatment in the United States, where he played for Wilmington Hammerheads.

Wilmington, who Miller played for in 2016, were the last of 12 clubs that the Cork-born midfielder represented during a 16-year career that took him around the world.

He made his professional debut for Celtic in 2000 after coming through the youth ranks at Parkhead and helped them win the Scottish Premier League title in 2004.

He then moved south to Manchester United on a free transfer, making 22 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson in two seasons -- which included a spell on loan at Leeds -- before joining Sunderland in 2006.

United expressed their sympathy on Saturday morning. A tweet read: "Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of our former midfielder Liam Miller. We extend our condolences to his loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of our former midfielder Liam Miller. We extend our condolences to his loved ones at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/k87wINacg3